Litomysl

Litomyšl (German: Leitomischl) is a historic town in the Pardubice Region of eastern Bohemia, situated on the Loučná River. The town is most famous for its magnificent Renaissance château, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, and as the birthplace of the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana (1824). Litomyšl's beautifully preserved town centre and château make it one of the most culturally significant small towns in the Czech Republic.

The château, built between 1568 and 1581 by the noble Pernštejn family, is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Central Europe, featuring an elaborate sgraffito facade with over 4,600 individual figures. The town itself has a pleasant, walkable historic centre with a large main square, arcaded houses, and several churches. The surrounding landscape is gentle and agricultural. The climate is continental with warm summers and cold winters. Litomyšl hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Smetana Music Festival.

By Plane

The nearest international airport is Prague (PRG), approximately 160 km away. Pardubice Airport (PED) is about 50 km north.

By Train

Litomyšl has a railway station on the line from Pardubice. Trains from Pardubice take approximately 50 minutes, and from Prague about 2.5 hours with a change.

By Car / Road

Driving from Prague takes approximately 2 hours via the D1 motorway. From Pardubice the drive is about 50 minutes. Roads are well-maintained.

The town centre is compact and walkable. Regional buses serve nearby towns. A car is useful for exploring the broader region.

• Litomyšl Château (Zámek Litomyšl) — a UNESCO World Heritage Renaissance château with elaborate sgraffito facades, a courtyard arcaded gallery, and period interiors. Open daily in season, admission approximately 150 CZK.

• Bedřich Smetana's Birthplace — the house where the composer was born, now a museum. Admission approximately 60 CZK.

• Town Square (Zámecké náměstí) — a large, well-preserved square with arcaded houses.

• Church of the Discovery of the Holy Cross — a baroque church adjacent to the château.

• Portmoneum — a museum of the artist Josef Váchal's unique painted interiors.

• Château tour — explore the Renaissance interiors and sgraffito facade.

• Smetana Music Festival — annual classical music festival held in the château and around town.

• Walking tours of the old town — the square and surrounding streets are rich in architecture.

• Cycling — the Loučná River valley provides scenic routes.

• Visiting nearby towns — Chrudim, Česká Třebová, and the Iron Mountains are accessible.

Czech cuisine at moderate prices. Main courses range from 120–280 CZK.

• Restaurace na zámku — dining in the château complex.
• Restaurants on the town square — traditional Czech fare.
• Café Smetana — coffee and pastries in a composer-themed setting.

Czech beer is the staple. Tap water is safe. Becherovka and other Czech liqueurs are available in local pubs.

• Budget: Guesthouses and pensions offer rooms from 500–800 CZK per night.
• Mid-range: Hotel & Restaurant U města Prahy provides rooms from 1,200–2,000 CZK per night.
• Upscale / heritage: Hotel & Boutique Zámek Litomyšl offers upscale accommodation from 2,500–4,000 CZK per night.

Small shops sell local crafts, ceramics, and Smetana-themed souvenirs. The château shop offers books and gifts.

• Pardubice (50 km) — regional capital with a château and steeplechase race.
• Chrudim (30 km) — historic town with puppet museum.
• Česká Třebová (20 km) — railway junction town.
• Hradec Králové (60 km) — "Salon of the Republic" architecture.
• Prague (160 km) — the capital city.